Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa Indicators Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The complex, comprising the White and Red Palaces with their ancillary buildings, is built on Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley, at an altitude of 3,700m. Also founded in the 7th century, the Jokhang Temple Monastery is an exceptional Buddhist religious complex. Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace, constructed in the 18th century, is a masterpiece of Tibetan art. The beauty and originality of the architecture of these three sites, their rich ornamentation and harmonious integration in a striking landscape, add to their historic and religious interest.

Ensemble historique du Palais du Potala, Lhasa Le palais du Potala, palais d'hiver du dalaï-lama depuis le VIIe siècle, symbolise le bouddhisme tibétain et son rôle central dans l'administration traditionnelle au Tibet. Le complexe s'élève sur la Colline rouge au centre de la vallée de Lhasa, à 3 700 m d'altitude. Il comprend le Palais blanc et le Palais rouge, et leurs bâtiments annexes. Fondé également au VIIe siècle, le monastère du Temple de Jokhang est un complexe religieux bouddhiste exceptionnel. Norbulingka, le palais d'été du dalaï-lama, construit au XVIIIe siècle, est un chef d'œuvre de l'art tibétain. La beauté et l'originalité de l'architecture de ces trois sites, leur riche décoration et leur intégration harmonieuse dans un paysage admirable s'ajoutent à leur intérêt historique et religieux.

مجمّع قصر بوتالا التاريخيّ في لاسا يجسّد قصر بوتالا، وهو قصر الدالاي لاما في فصل الشتاء منذ القرن السابع، بوذيّة التيبت ودورها المركزيّ في إدارة التيبت التقليديّة. شُيّد المجمع على الهضبة الحمراء وسط وادي لاسا على ارتفاع 3700 متر. وهو يضمّ القصر الأبيض والقصر الأحمر والمباني الملحقة بهما. كما تأسس في القرن السابع دير معبد جوكانغ وهو مجمّع ديني بوذي استثنائي. ويُشكّل قصر نوربولينغا وهو المقرّ الصيفي للدالاي لاما المشيّد في القرن الثامن عشر، تحفةً من تحف فنّ التيبت.

وإلى هندسة المواقع الثلاثة المبتكرة وإنمّا أيضاً الجميلة وزخرفتها واندماجها في المنظر الرائع، تُضاف أهميّتها التاريخيّة والدينيّة.

source: UNESCO/ERI 布达拉宫自公元7世纪起就成为达赖喇嘛的冬宫，象征着藏传佛教及其在历代行政统治中的中心作用。布达拉宫，坐落在拉萨河谷中心海拔3700米的红色山峰之上，由白宫和红宫及其附属建筑组成。大昭寺也建造于公元7世纪，是一组极具特色的佛教建筑群。建造于公元18世纪罗布林卡，曾经作为达赖喇嘛的夏宫，也是西藏艺术的杰作。这三处遗址的建筑精美绝伦，设计新颖独特，加上丰富多样的装饰以及与自然美景的和谐统一，更增添了其在历史和宗教上的重要价值。 source: UNESCO/ERI Исторический ансамбль дворца Потала в городе Лхаса Дворец Потала, зимняя резиденция Далай-ламы с VII в., является символом тибетского буддизма и свидетелем его главенствующей роли в традиционном управлении Тибетом.

Комплекс, включающий Белый и Красный дворцы с служебными постройками, воздвигнут на Красной Горе в центре долины Лхаса на высоте 3700 м над уровнем моря. Храм и монастырь Джоканг, также основанные в VII в., – выдающийся буддийский религиозный комплекс. Норбулинка, бывший летний дворец Далай-ламы, сооруженный в XVIII в., – подлинный шедевр тибетского искусства. Красота и оригинальность архитектуры этих трех объектов, богатое украшение и гармоничное включение в выразительный ландшафт, дополняют их историческую и религиозную ценность.

source: UNESCO/ERI Conjunto histórico del Palacio del Potala en Lhassa El palacio del Potala, residencia de invierno del Dalai Lama desde el siglo VII, es un sí­mbolo del budismo tibetano y del papel desempeñado por éste en la administración tradicional del Tí­bet. El conjunto palaciego –que se yergue sobre la Montaña Roja, en el centro del valle de Lhasa, a 3.700 metros de altitud– comprende el Palacio Blanco, el Palacio Rojo y sus edificios anejos. Forman también parte del sitio el monasterio del Templo de Jokhang, un excepcional complejo religioso budista construido también en el siglo VII, y el Palacio de Norbulingka, residencia de verano del Dalai Lama construida en el siglo XVIII y obra maestra del arte tibetano.

La belleza y originalidad de la arquitectura de estos monumentos, su rica ornamentación y su armonización con el admirable paisaje circundante, vienen añadirse a su interés histórico y religioso.

source: UNESCO/ERI ラサのポタラ宮歴史地区 チベット自治区ラサ市、チベット仏教の寺院・宮殿。7世紀に成立したチベット初の統一王朝はラサに遷都し、紅山（マルポリ）に王宮を築き、今回、追加登録された大昭寺（ジョカン）を建立した。しかし、9世紀半ばに吐蕃王国が滅亡し、現在のポタラ宮は17世紀にダライ・ラマ5世が建設。谷から110mの山の斜面に13層の高層建築物が建ち、頂上には金殿がある。2001年、郊外に広大な敷地を占める1755年建立の夏の離宮・羅布林（ルオブリンカー）が追加登録された。 The Potala Palace © Sacred sites Outstanding Universal Value Brief synthesis Enclosed within massive walls, gates and turrets built of rammed earth and stone the White and Red Palaces and ancillary buildings of the Potal

a Palace rise from Red Mountain in the centre of Lhasa Valley at an altitude of 3,700 metres.

As the winter palace of the Dalai Lama from the 7th century CE the complex symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. The White Palace contains the main ceremonial hall with the throne of the Dalai Lama, and his private rooms and audience hall are on the uppermost level. The palace contains 698 murals, almost 10,000 painted scrolls, numerous sculptures, carpets, canopies, curtains, porcelain, jade, and fine objects of gold and silver, as well as a large collection of sutras and important historical documents. To the west and higher up the mountain the Red Palace contains the gilded burial stupas of past Dalai Lamas. Further west is the private monastery of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyel Dratshang. The Jokhang Temple Monastery was founded by the regime also in the 7th century, in order to promote the Buddhist religion. Covering 2.5ha in the centre of the old town of Lhasa, it comprises an entrance porch, courtyard and Buddhist hall surrounded by accommodation for monks and storehouses on all four sides.

The buildings are constructed of wood and stone and are outstanding examples of the Tibetan Buddhist style, with influences from China, India, and Nepal. They house over 3,000 images of Buddha and other deities and historical figures along with many other treasures and manuscripts. Mural paintings depicting religious and historical scenes cover the walls. Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama's former summer palace constructed in the 18th century, is located on the bank of the Lhasa River about 2km west of the Potala Palace in a lush green environment. It comprises a large garden with four palace complexes and a monastery as well as other halls, and pavilions all integrated into the garden layout to create an exceptional work of art covering 36ha. The property is closely linked with religious and political issues, having been a place for contemplation and for signing political agreements. The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka embody the administrative, religious and symbolic functions of the Tibetan theocratic government through their location, layout and architecture. The beauty and originality of the architecture of these three sites, their rich ornamentation and harmonious integration in a striking landscape, contribute to their Outstanding Universal Value.

Criterion (i): The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace is an outstanding work of human imagination and creativity, for its design, its decoration and its harmonious setting within a dramatic landscape. The three-in-one historic ensemble of the Potala Palace, with Potala the palace-fort complex, Norbulingka the garden residence and the Jokhang Temple Monastery the temple architecture, each with its distinctive characteristics, forms an outstanding example of traditional Tibetan architecture. Criterion (iv): The scale and artistic wealth of the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, which represents the apogee of Tibetan architecture, make it an outstanding example of theocratic architecture, of which it was the last surviving example in the modern world. Criterion (vi): The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace forms a potent and exceptional symbol of the integration of secular and religious authority. Integrity The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace owns tens of thousands of collections of diverse cultural relics. The wall paintings are rich in themes, form the best of Tibetan painting art and precious material evidence for learning Tibetan history and the multi-ethnic cultural fusion.

The historic scale, architectural typology and the historic environment remain intact within the property area and within the buffer zone, carrying the complete historic information of the property. Authenticity In terms of design, material, technology and layout, the historic ensemble of the Potala Palace has well retained its original form and characteristics since it was first built and from successive significant additions and expansions, convincingly testifying to its Outstanding Universal Value. Protection and management requirements The three components of the Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, the Potala Palace, Norbulingka and the Jokhang Temple are all State Priority Protected Sites, and protected by the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relies of the People's Republic of China.The Potala Palace was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994, the Jokhang Temple in 2000 as an extension to the property, and Norbulingka in 2001 as a further extension to the property. The buffer zone of the property has been confirmed as originally demarcated. Any intervention must be approved by the responsible cultural heritage administration, with restoration strictly in accordance with the principle of retaining the historic condition.

The Potala Palace Management Regulations have been put into force; measures are formulated and taken for better visitor management. A World Heritage Steering Committee has been established in Lhasa. The conservation and management plans for the three component parts of the World Heritage property have been formulated and will be submitted and put into force as soon as possible. Notes Extension of "The Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple Monastery, Lhasa" to include the Norbulingka area. Activities Potala Palace, Potala Palace Tibet China, Lhasa Potala Palace Photos, Pictures, Reviews of Potala Palace Home >> China Attractions >> Tibet >> Tibet Attractions >> Potala Palace Potala Palace The Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet . It was named after Mount Potala, an important mountain in Buddhist traditions. The Potala Palace was the chief residence of all Dalai Lamas until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala, India after an invasion and failed uprising in 1959. Today the Potala Palace has been converted into a museum by Chinese authorities.

The Palace buildings stand 13 stories high and contain over 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and 200,000 statues. These tower 117 meters (384 ft) above Marpo Ri, means "Red Hill", and more than 300 meters (1,000 ft) above the valley floor. Tradition says that the three main hills of Lhasa represent the "Three Protectors of Tibet." The site was used as a meditation retreat by King Songtsen Gampo, who in 637 built the first palace there in order to greet his bride, Princess Wencheng of China's Tang Dynasty. Lozang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama, started construction of the Potala Palace in 1645 after one of his spiritual advisers, Konchog Chophel, pointed out that the site was ideal as a seat of government, situated as it is between Drepung and Sera monasteries and the old city of Lhasa. The Dalai Lama and his government moved into Potala's Potrang Karpo ('White Palace') in 1649.

Construction lasted until 1694, some twelve years after his death. The Potala was used as a winter palace and the chief residence of the Dalai Lama from that time on. The Potrang Marpo ('Red Palace') was added between 1690 and 1694 and got its name from a hill on Cape Comorin at the southern tip of India. This is a rocky point sacred to the God of Mercy, whom the Indians call Avalokitesvara and the Tibetans worship as Chenrezi. The Tibetans themselves rarely speak of the sacred place as the "Potala", but rather as "Peak Potala" (Tse Potala), or usually as "The Peak." The golen roof of Potala Palace in the sunset. The White Palace of the Potala Palace Built at an altitude of 3,700 m (12,100 ft), on the side of Marpo Ri ('Red Mountain') in the center of Lhasa Valley, the Potala Palace, with its vast inward-sloping walls and flat roofs, is not unlike a fortress in appearance.

At the southern base of the mountain is a large space enclosed by walls and gates, with great porticos on the inner side. Visitors can climb up a series of easy staircases to the mountain's summit. From the top, they can enjoy a splendid view of the palace and the beautiful Lhasa Valley below. Select Other Favorite Attractions The Potala Palace The Potala Palace The Potala Palace This ancient architectural complex is considered a model of Tibetan architecture. Located on the Red Hill in Lhasa, Tibet , it is 3,700 meters above sea level and covers an area of over 360,000 square meters, measuring 360 meters from east to west and 270 meters from south to north. The palace has 13 stories, and is 117 meters high. In 641, Songtsan Gambo, ruler of the Tubo Kingdom, had the Potala Palace built for Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty, whom he was soon to marry. This structure was later burned to the ground during a war and was rebuilt in the 17th century by the Fifth Dalai Lama.

Repeated repairs and expansions until 1645 finally brought the palace to its present scale. Over the past three centuries, the palace gradually became a place where the Dalai Lama lived and worked and a place for keeping the remains of successive Dalai Lama. The stone-and-wood-structured Potala Palace consists of the White Palace and Red Palace. The White Palace, comprising halls, temples and courtyards, serves as the living quarters of the Dalai Lama. The Red Palace includes various chambers for worshipping Buddha and chambers housing the eight stupa that contain the remains of fifth through thirteenth Dalai Lama. All the stupas are covered with gold foil. The most magnificent stupa belongs to the fifth Dalai Lama. It is 14.85 meters tall and inlaid with pearl and jade. The palace also collected a large number of sculptures, murals, scripture and other valuable cultural relics. In 1994, the palace joined the list of world cultural heritage sites. The Jokhang Monastery The Jokhang Monastery, an example of the earliest architecture in Tibet, can claim to be the center around which the city of Lhasa developed.

The legend goes that Princess Wencheng, Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo's Chinese wife in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), had the monastery built by filling up the lake Wothang with the help of a sacred goat. A willow said to have been planted by Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo themselves still grows outside the gate of the monastery. Built in 648, the Jokhang Monastery expanded to the present scale in the 17th century after several renovations. Located on Barkhor Street, Lhasa, it faces west and has four stories with the roofs covered with gilded bronze tiles. It was built in Tang Dynasty architectural style with characteristics of Nepalese and Indian architecture. The main hall is supported by 20 large wooden columns. There are elegant relief sculptures of human beings, birds and animals carved on the bucket-arch beams. A golden statue of the young Buddha Sakyamuni at age 12 brought to Tibet by Princess Wen Cheng from Chang'an, capital of the Tang Dynasty, is enshrined in the center.

The statutes of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng and Princess Chizun, another wife of the Tibetan King are enshrined in side halls. On November 30, 2000, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee listed the Jokhang Monastery on the World Heritage List as a part of the historical assemblage of the Potala Palace. Norbulingka Park Situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa, Norbulingka Park was built in the middle of the 18th century during the reign of the 7th Dalai Lama and served as the Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas where they handle political affairs, practiced religious activities and spent holidays. Traditionally the Dalai Lamas would leave the Potala Palace every spring and spend the summer in Norbulingka. Lingka in Tibetan means a beautiful place with trees and lawns, and Norbu means treasure. In addition to its beautiful environment, Norbulingka boasts many palaces, pavilions, various kinds of flowers as well as a lake and a zoo. In the past, Norbulingka was heavily guarded, with access allowed only to a few with special permission.

Now it is open to the public. During the Shotun Festival (yogurt festival) which starts on July 1 of the Tibetan calendar, the park is crowded with people who come to sing, dance and picnic for the celebration. In December 2001, Norbulingka Park was entered into the World Heritage List as a part of the historical assemblage of Potala Palace. The Potala Palace Management Office Potala Palace | palace, Lhasa, Tibet, China | Britannica.com Potala Palace Tibet Potala Palace, immense religious and administrative complex in Lhasa , southern Tibet Autonomous Region, southwestern China . It is situated atop Mar-po-ri (Red Mountain), 425 feet (130 metres) above the Lhasa River valley, and rises up dramatically from its rocky base. Potrang Karpo (completed 1648; White Palace) once served as the seat of the Tibetan government and the main residence of the Dalai Lama ; from the mid-18th century it was used as a winter palace .

Potrang Marpo (1694; Red Palace) houses several chapels, sacred statues, and the tombs of eight Dalai Lamas; it remains a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Potala Palace complex, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Adam Crowley/Getty Images Potrang Karpo (White Palace) within the Potala Palace complex, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, … © Ron Gatepain (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. © Ron Gatepain (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Buddhist prayer wheels at the base of the Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. © Ron Gatepain (A Britannica Publishing Partner) King Srong-brtsan-sgam-po commissioned the building of a palace in Lhasa in the 7th century. Significantly smaller and less elaborate than its 5-square-mile (13-square-km) successor, it was named the Potala (“Pure Land” or “High Heavenly Realm”) for reasons that are not historically documented, although Mount Potala in India seems the likely source.

Tibetan Buddhists acknowledge the Dalai Lama as the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Chinese: Guanyin), a bodhisattva whose home was on Mount Potala. Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China. © Ron Gatepain (A Britannica Publishing Partner) Srong-brtsan-sgam-po’s palace was later destroyed, and in 1645 the fifth Dalai Lama ordered the construction of a new castle that could accommodate his role as both a religious and a government leader. Lhasa was again chosen as the location because of its importance as a pilgrimage site and its proximity to the three main Buddhist monasteries of Sera, ’Bras-spungs (Drepung), and Dga’-Idan (Ganden). The new Potala was built on Mar-po-ri for the security provided by an elevated position; until its use declined in the mid-18th century, the Potala was a major Tibetan military fortress.

Potala Palace, a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous … CQYoung—iStock/Thinkstock Potala Palace - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) The Potala Palace is a group of religious and administrative buildings in Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, southwestern China. The palace is sacred in Tibetan Buddhism and once served as the seat of the government of Tibet. It was long the home of the Dalai Lama, who was the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The Potala Palace is located on top of a hill named Mar-po-ri (Red Mountain), 425 feet (130 meters) above the Lhasa River valley. The buildings of the palace rise up dramatically from their rocky base. Article History Font Size: Print Potala Palace Potala, the world-famous architectural wonder is built on the escarpments of Red Hill and rises high above the valley floor. A visit to the magnificent Potala Palace is one of the reasons why Tibetan pilgrims and hundreds and thousands of visitors from home and abroad go to Tibet each year.

Majestically situated on the top of Marpo Ri Hill (also called Red Hill) in the center of Lhasa city, the Potala Palace is 119 meters (390 ft) high, 350 meters (1, 148 ft) wide from east to west and 270 meters (885.8 ft) wide from north to south and covers a huge area of 41 hectares (101.3 acres). It stands over 3, 700 meters (12, 000 ft) above sea level, which makes it the highest ancient palace in the world. In 631 AD, the great Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo began to construct the Potala Palace, but it was destroyed by war and lightning in the tenth century. The only remains from the seventh century are the Cave of Dharma King where the Songtsen Gampo practiced Buddhism (Dharma King is the honorary title the people gave to Songtsen Gampo) and a Hall dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

The present buildings were re-constructed by the fifth Dalai Lama in 1645 followed by further re-construction and extension up until 1936 when the stupa chapel for the thirteenth Dalai Lama was finished. The Potala Palace became the chief residence of the Dalai Lama from the middle of the seventeenth century replacing the Drepung Monastery as the center of political power. From then on all major religious and political activities took place there and the stupas of the previous Dalai Lamas were worshipped there as well, with the exception of that of the sixth Dalai Lama. Potala Palace used to be such a sacred place that it was beyond the reach of the common Tibetans. They could only worship on the square at the foot of the hill. After the fourteenth Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the central government turned the Potala Palace into a state museum of historic relics and opened it to the public. Now it is one of the most attractive tourist sites in China and is also a site listed in the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage by UNESCO.

Potala Palace is mainly comprised of the Red Palace that occupies the center of the cluster of buildings together with the White Palace that forms the eastern and western sides of the complex. These structures can be easily recognized by the colors of their external walls. The Red Palace is mainly for religious use and it is where Buddhist statues are consecrated. It contains Buddhist halls and stupa chapels of all the former Dalai Lamas other than the sixth holder of the title. The White Palace is the winter palace of Dalai Lama and the main formed of his residence as well as administrative offices. Potala Palace also has some subsidiary buildings that include the Zhacang (the Buddhist College), Buddhist schools and lodging houses, etc. During its history of over 1, 300 years, the Potala Palace has become home to an abundance of historical relics. It contains exquisite murals covering an area in excess of 2, 500 square meters (2, 990 square yards), Buddhist pagodas and statues, almost ten thousand thangkas and precious ancient books and records of Buddhist sutras.

There are also many relics vouchsafed by the Ming and Qing governments preserved at Potala, such as the Imperial Mandate, the Imperial Golden Seal as well as jade seals, golden and silver articles, porcelain and jade articles and the like. Potala Palace is not only a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture, but also a treasure-house of the best Tibetan artistic works and precious relics. As such it is a reflection of Tibetan history and culture and an important part of the heritage of mankind in general. Zhol City Zhol, meaning 'below' in Tibetan, refers specifically to a village or town right below a mountainside castle. Zhol City (Xuecheng), also known as Snow City, is located on the lower boundary of the Potala Palace entrance which is a frontispiece built of its era. Since its grand opening on May 31st, 2007, Zhol City has become a popular hotspot in Lhasa. Zhol City covers 50,000 sq m. (12 acres) of the Potala Palace complex. It is comprised of 22 ancient buildings which cover an area of 33,470 sq m. (eight acres).

These buildings once housed upper and lower class citizens, as well as the city jail and government offices (for the city's administration, judiciary, revenue, and mint). These were established by the three ancient lords of Tibet – the local government, aristocracy, and temple leaders. Currently 13 attractions are open to the public, including 12 ancient buildings and a tourist service center. Exhibits display artifacts and information, from which one can learn about society in ancient Tibet and the changes it has experienced throughout the years. Visitors can also watch displays demonstrating the process by which local arts, food and drinks are made. Participation is encouraged in some displays, and food samples are typically available. The informational video on Potala Palace and Zhol City, shown at the Tourist Service Center, is another activity that should not be missed. Tour information is available at the Tourist Service Center. The buildings of Zhol City also include a Treasure Hall, Western Sutra Printing House, and Relics of Granary – all of which are expected to open in 2008. The six remaining buildings (including the city towers) are not expected to be opened to the public due to their limited conditions.

Admission Fees Top 10 Lhasa Hotels Near Potala Palace | China | Hotels.com Hotels in Lhasa near Potala Palace Potala Palace in the Lhasa area, China Are you looking for a cheap Potala Palace hotel, a 5 star Potala Palace hotel or a family friendly Potala Palace hotel? You just landed in the best site to find the best deals and offers on the most amazing accommodations for your stay. When you search for hotels near Potala Palace with Hotels.com, you need to first check our online map and see the distance you will be from Potala Palace, China. Our maps are based on hotel search and display areas and neighborhoods of each hotel so you can see how close you are from Potala Palace and refine your search within Lhasa or China based on closest public transportation, restaurants and entertainment so you can easily get around the city. All the hotels details page show an option for free or paid onsite parking. If you wish to see the hotels with the highest featuring discounts and deals near Potala Palace, simply filter by price/ average nightly rate.

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That’s right, book 10 nights in any hotel near Potala Palace, Lhasa and after you sign up for the Welcome Rewards program, you are eligible hotel you receive 1 night free* The best hotel deals are here: We have Potala Palace hotel deals, Potala Palace last minute deals and offers to get you the cheapest Potala Palace hotel with our lowest price guarantee. Potala Palace Lhasa, Tibet – Facts, History, Highlights and Tips ———————————— How to Get to Potala Palace Located in the northern of Lhasa, adjacent to Jokhong Temple with 1.6 km and 1.5 km away from Barkhor Street , Potala Palace is mostly chosen for the first attraction of your Tibet Travel, and can be easily transfer from the airport or train station in Lhasa . ● 70 km away from Lhasa Gonggar Airport ● 20 km away from Lhasa Railway Station By connecting many domestic cities, including Chamdo, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Guangzhou and more, taking flight to Lhasa Gonggar Airport is the first choice to arrive in Lhasa.

With a distance of 70 km from airport to Potala Palace, you can take the airport shuttle bus within one hour. Besides the airline, you can take the Qinghai-Lhasa Railway to the Lhasa Railway Station and take taxi to the Palace. If you book Tibet tour with us, we can arrange the private transfer service and pick you up at the airport or train station. Potala Palace History Potala Palace’s history can be traced back to about 1,300 years ago since which Potala has been through several large reconstructions. It was originally built in the 7th century when the Tubo Kingdom ruled Tibet to house Srongtsen Gampo and his two wives - Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of Tang Empire. After the fall of Tubo Kingdom, Potala Palace was almost ruined by constant wars until 17th century when came the most important reconstruction during Potala’s history. His Holiness - the Fifth Dalai Lama decided to rebuild Potala Palace. He received helpful hands from Qing Empire. The constructions took almost many years.

At last, the Fifth Dalai Lama moved the government from Drepung Monstery to Potala, which made Potala as the political and Buddhism center of Tibet. Since the Fifth Dalai Lama, several small reconstructions had been conducted by the later Dalai Lamas. The main body of Potala Palace has remained as the same as the past. Potala Palace Highlights As the symbol of Tibet, Potala Palace has many things worth seeing, the architecture of the entire construction, the splendid well-preserved artworks and various kinds of religious treasures and etc. by sightseeing all those highlights, you can trace back to old days and experience the glory of Tibet history. Tibetan Architecture Potala Palace is one of the most brilliant architectural buildings standing on the precipitous hill. Having a majestic exterior of 13 layers in the total height of 117 meters, the whole palace was built by wood and stones. The walls were piled by granite with a thickness of 2-5 meters. The roof and eaves are made of woods with beautiful carvings about Buddhism. Constructed by the white and red palaces, there are ornate chapels, halls, rooms inside.

The palace can be divided to two main parts: the White Palace around and the Red Palace in the center. The White Palace was the living quarters of the Dalai Lama and the office to deal with political and Buddhist affairs. And the Red Palace is the main building for 117 meters, consisting of a complicated layout of different Buddhist halls, chapels and libraries. Splendid Artworks Inside the majestic Palace is the treassure house of splendid art works. Besides the artistic concentrate of ancient Tibet architecture, Potala Palace is also an art treasure of Tibet. The most outstanding art is the 698 murals on the walls and along the corridors which describe some important events happened during Tibetan history, like Princess Wencheng to Tibet, and lifetime stories of famous Buddhist masters, such as the 5th Dalai Lama. Apart from murals, you can also find a large quantity of exquisite Tangkas, a typical kind of roll of uranium, painting on silk, cloth or paper and framed by color satin, which are mainly telling about the Tibet history events, religious figures and Buddhist doctrines. Besides, there are many kinds of crafts to present the Tibetan local life.

Religious Treasures Potala Palace is one of the holiest buildings of Tibetan Buddhism. It is the palace of leader of Tibetan Buddhism – Dalai Lama. During ancient time, Potala opened a Buddhist school to teach Buddhism. More importantly, Potala Palace houses many stupas of past Dalai Lamas. And in both Red Palace and White Palace, there are lots of precious statues, especially the 2 meters high statue of Tsong Khapa (in East Chapel), a silver statue of Padmasambhava (in South Chapel), and statues of Sakyamuni, Dalai Lamas and Medicine Bduddha (in North Chapel). Integrated into different Buddhist art of Han dynasty, India and Nepal, the sculpture is another precious treasure in the palace, including the clay sculpture, wood carvings, stone inscription and multiple metal statues. Useful Travel Tips of Potala Palace With the tickets of 200RMB (May–October) or 100 RMB(November–April), Potala Palace is allowed less than 2,300 tourists and pilgrims to enter during 9:00-16:00 of each day, excepting Holidays & big event.

The ticket purchase should be booked one day beforehand in order to secure entry. Also there is only one hour for visiting the inner of Potala Palace. Remember to bring your ID card or passport when visit. And more suggestions and travel tips following: ● With the limited visit time, you’d better arrange the time by studying ahead to know what are you going to see most. There are about 30 sites along the relatively fixed visit route and some of them can’t miss out, including Stupa of fifth Dalai Lama, Dharma Cave and Saint Kwun Yum Hall. ● Sitting at 3700 meters above the sea level, you need to climb up from the South Gate to the top of the Potala Palace. The climbing time does not count towards your “1 hour” limit. Along the climb way, make sure to stop and rest a while and drink lots of water. ● Take an overcoat even in summer days, as it is a bit cold and damp in the Palace. Visiting the golden roofs costs an extra fee of 10 RMB. Also taking photos is not allowed inside, except some small halls.

● The toilet at the right side of the White Palace Square, is the only rest room during the route of the rest tour time. The bathroom at the West Gate of the Potala Palace is said to be distinctive and worth a try. ● Since the interior of potala is not allow taking photos, tourists can have a panorama view and shoot the whole Potala Palace through the Chakpori Hill (Yaowang Mountain), over the street of the palace. The Zongjiaolukang Park, located at the right of the palace is another spot to take photo of the inverted reflection of Potala Palace. Besides, if you visit at night, you can stand at the square in front of the palace to take a sparking night scene of Potala Palace. Recommended Tour Packages Escorted by a skilled private drivers and companied by a professional local tour guide to organize all the activities, all you have to do is to enjoy your fantastic Tibet journey. Time can never be wasted waiting for a group, hopping on and off buses or negotiating unfamiliar destinations.

Potala Palace, Lhasa, Tibet: Hours, Tickets, Travel Tips Potala Palace Video Situated on the Red Hill of central Lhasa, Potala Palace is the highest ancient palace in the world, reaching 3,767.19m (12,359.55ft) at the topmost point. Potala named after a holy hill in South India is a Sanskrit word meaning "Abode of the Avalokitesvara (Buddha of Mercy)." Legend has it that in the 7th century, to greet his bride Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty (618B.C. - 907B.C.) of China, the then Tibet King Songtsen Gampo built a 9-storey palace with a thousand rooms up on the Red Hill and named it Potala. Later, with the collapse of the Songtsen Gampo Dynasty, the ancient palace was almost destroyed in wars. What we see at present is the architecture of the Qing Dynasty (1644B.C. - 1911B.C.) and the continuous expanding work outcome since the 17th century.

Major Structures Potala Palace is composed of 2 parts, the Red Palace as the center and the White Palace as two wings. The Red Palace or Potrang Marpo is the highest part in the center that is completely devoted to religious study and Buddhist prayer. It was painted to red to represent stateliness and power. It consists of a complicated layout of different halls, chapels and libraries on many levels with an array of smaller galleries and winding passages: The Great West Hall, Dharma Cave, The Saint's Chapel, The Tomb of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama and etc. The 725 sq meters (about 7,804 sq ft) Great West Hall is the largest hall, with beautiful murals painted on its inner walls. Around the Great West Hall are three chapels, the east chapel, the north chapel as well as the south chapel. The Dharma Cave and the Saint's Chapel are the only two remained constructions of the 7th century with the statues of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wen Cheng, and Princess Bhrikuti inside.

Our Tour Group at Potala Palace Holy Palace The White Palace or Potrang Karpo once served as the office building of Tibet local government makes up the living quarters of Dalai Lama. Its wall was painted to white to convey peace and quiet. The Great East Hall on the fourth floor, occupying a space of 717 sq meters (about 7,718 sq ft), was the site for momentous religious and political events. The fifth and sixth floors are used as the living quarters and offices of regents while the seventh floor, the top one, is the living quarters of Dalai Lama consisting of two parts named the East Chamber of Sunshine and the West Chamber of Sunshine due to the plentiful sunshine. Potala Palace has other annexes including the School of Buddhist Logic, the seminary, the printing House, gardens, courtyards and even the jail. For more than 300 years, The architecture has treasured many culture relics such as murals, stupas, statues, thangkas, and rare sutras. Travel Tips 1. The travel route here is set strictly. Visitors all have to enter from the east main entrance. 2. The visit time is limited in 1 hour. 3.

Note that expect the toilet at the right side of the White Palace Square, there is no rest room during the route of the rest time. The water closet at the back gate of the White Palace is said to be distinctive and worth a try. 4. Watch your steps due to the high altitude. Bring along an overcoat as it is a bit cold and damp in the hall. Notice 1. Any kind of liquid is not allowed there, including beverages and mineral water, which yet can be purchase at a cost of CNY10 for one bottle at the hill top. 2. Oxygen Bag is prohibited. 3. Be aware of the taboos of Tibetan Buddhism during the visit. Don't wear a hat or sunglasses; don't step on the doorsill; don't smoke in the halls; don't take photos in the palace although it is allowed outside it. Ticket Purchase Procdure in High Season During the high season (May 1 to October 31), all visitors are required to apply for free reservation tickets with their valid identity documents, such as ID cards and passports one day in advance before they visit the palace. Each valid ID document can be used only once within a week.

However, one visitor can have as many as four reservation tickets (one for himself and the other three for his companions) at a time. The reservation ticket window is open at 09:00 and closed after all tickets are sent out. Those visitors who have reservation tickets should make their tickets extended or canceled if they can’t visit the place for personal reasons. Otherwise, they will be forbidden to apply again within a week because their names are added to the blacklist. The visiting date and exact time, number of visitors and ID document numbers are printed on the reservation tickets. Visitors have to visit the palace at the given date and time. They should go to the main gate to have their reservation tickets and ID documents checked and walk to the ticket office in front of the White Palace to buy the entrance tickets. Then they can start their tour after another security check. Special notice: Visitors should queue up for applying for the reservation tickets as early as they can. The tickets are sent out quickly because there are too many visitors. Transportation 1. take bus no.

1, 7, 11, 13, 20, 21, 22 or 26, get off at Minhangju Station and then walk to the ticket office. 2. take bus no. 7, 12, 14, 20 or 23, get off at Longwangtandongmen Station and then walk to the ticket office. Tourists can take airport shuttle bus from Gonggar Airport to Minhangju Station and then visit the palace. It costs CNY 25. If they arrive at Lhasa Railway Station, they can take bus no. 13 and get off at Minhangju Station. Adminssion Fee:

Question: In which city is the Potala Palace?
Answer: Lhasa